On The Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe is a romance to start 2024 with

It’s very rare we see plus-sized characters in mainstream romance yet Jenny L. Howe takes that notion and throws it out the window with On The Plus Side.

While I’ve heard of Jenny L. Howe before, this is the first book of hers I’ve read. She also published her debut romance in 2022 and it’s called The Make-Up Test. It also has an incredibly cute cover, too.

Overall though, I was so excited to pick up this book once hearing the pitch from the publisher and saw the adorable cover. I don’t know about you but sometimes, a romance cover just sucks me in and I’m a goner.

I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Griffin for sending me a digital ARC to read as it was the ultimate cozy read on one cool evening.

On The Plus Side is a fun and fresh romance you’ll be reading in the new year.

On The Plus Side is my first Jenny L. Howe but it won’t be my last. The story follows Everly who is picked to be on her favorite reality show: On The Plus Side. It’s all about plus-sized people getting a makeover but not in the way you might imagine. The two hosts help them tackle their insecurities and unlock their inner confidence.

While Everly can’t imagine why she was picked, she makes the most of it while trying to gain some of her inner confidence back while dealing with a work crush, a stagnating career, and the grief of losing her grandmother. Of course, things get even more hectic when she starts to develop feelings for a cameraman for the show.

This book ended up surprising me in a lot of ways as it tackled so many different issues. When it came to Everly, she was dealing with rejection on all fronts but she didn’t let it define her. She did need a bit more confidence but she gained that internally versus a relationship. It was just so great to watch her blossom as a character.

In addition, the romance between her and Logan was so sweet. These two had chemistry from the very beginning and I couldn’t get enough. These two definitely had a friends-to-lovers vibe going on and it was a delight. I also adored Everly’s best friend Becca and the two hosts of the show as they were so great.

Honestly, the third-act conflict wasn’t too bad but it did annoy me a lot. While I do know it probably does happen, it made me so angry. Then again, some reality show elements can be hit-or-miss so that might have been a problem for me. Either way, I ended up enjoying this one and I think On The Plus Side is a great one to either pick up before the new year or add to your spring TBR for 2024.

On The Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe is out now where books are sold.